NPS #2: Pearl Harbor Memorial & Military History

Pearl Harbor Memorial; Photo by Krenda

A shout out to the men and women who are serving our nation and the families who support them. Here's my disclosure - I have relatives who have served or currently serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. I may be biased to think about them and other military families often.  These photos were taken in Hawaii at Pearl Harbor.  Author Patricia Schultz lists "Oahu" as a must see site in her book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die and she recognizes the tie to history, "the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor reminds you of the city's place in 20th-century history."

My husband tells the story of his uncle in the Navy in Pearl Harbor during the attack and how he swam below burning water, splashing the water to find a place to come up and breath without flames, and his survival.

We took the opportunity to visit the location of the attack.  If you want to visit Pearl Harbor, go to Aloha Court on Oahu.  You can get free tickets to the Navy-operated shuttle boat ride and walk through exhibit galleries.  Also, you can visit the Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater and learn more at the 23- minute documentary film.

May is Military Appreciation month and Ladies Home Journal has a few ideas to show you appreciate the troops:
- send an e-mail or letter of thanks at Amillionthanks.org
- ship a care package to a soldier through Uso.org/donate
- write an uplifting message at Americasupportsyou.mil
Also, my husband and I have found through our travels, that when you see someone in uniform or meet someone who tells you they are a veteran, it means a lot to stop to say "thank you".